[PDQ] The Grand Mythos Game Thread

[Terratina.]

M'endaxius and Akladai

Akladai opened his eyes to find himself within Melanthios library. What is M'endar doing here? Akladai looked around and spotted M'endar reading a book on the mystic properties of blood. Akladai looked at M'endar. He was one of the few people who could get away with that. "Greetings M'endar, might I ask what you are doing here?" Akladai sounded curious.

M'endar was roused from the depths of that book. A secret smile was on its face. Hindering Seith had been so satisfying. It turned to the demigod, surprised that he wasn't off searching for knowledge somewhere else and replied, pointing the book, "Reading. There is a new god who like blood a little too much for my liking. My morbid curiosity brought me here, as I wished to find out why that was the case."

Akladai nodded. "Well this is the place to be then, still very few people are allowed here. I think Melanthios would smite almost anyone for reading that book, except maybe you and me." Akladai looked for a suitable spot to talk. "M'endar I had something I wished to discuss with you, if you wouldn't mind that is." Akladai made an gesture to a few chairs who were nearby.

Hearing Akladai's offer of a little chat, M'endar shut the book and returned it to the shelf. All the while saying, "Well, no angry dark messiahs for me then." M'endar then sat down on one of the chairs in the area the demigod pointed to. It wondered what Melanthios' apprentice wanted to talk about. Cutting straight to the point M'endar said, "What it is you wish to talk about then, Akladai?"

Akladai sat down opposite M'endar, he was happy that M'endar took the time to talk to him. "Well I wanted to talk about the plans for the future. My father is a bit busy right now, so I wondered if you could perhaps tell me what we are planning to do? More precisely what is the plan with Seith and the other light gods?"

That... was a tough question. If Akladai knew their plans, he could sabotage them, which wasn't a good thing in the slightest. So M'endar chose its answer carefully. Most of it was Vantric planning to attack Pentar and the dwarves, which wasn't that interesting. In the end, M'endar settle on this answer, which really wasn't an answer at all, "Nothing much at the moment. Tell me: why do you ask this?"

Akladai looked at M'ednar, he seemed to be hiding something. But then again, M'endar was always hiding something. "Well I just recently had an chat with them, and we trade with each other. So I was wondering if we had any plans that might destroy this agreement."

That was... interesting. Did Melanthios know that his apprentice was talking to those he and Vantric had marked out as enemies? The demigod seemed to want peace between them and the 'light gods' as he called them. That could be possible, but it was too late. It was funny how Akladai referred to himself as part of the group of the 'dark gods'. Well, he had just kicked himself out by aligning with the others. M'endar responded, again being evasive, "You will have to ask Vantric about plans as he is the one obsessed with them. For the moment, I, myself, don't have any that would impede on this agreement of yours."


Akladai nodded. "I just wanted to make sure there weren't any outstanding plans. because if I have to stop trading with them then I will, but I was just wondering. I would prefer peace with them you see."

M'endar was unsure of the reply and unsure of Akladai. It was simply trading but it could to others things... Like alliances. It made a mental note to watch out for Akladai, that he must be a liability rather than an asset. Standing up, M'endar responded with, "Peace is a fragile thing. If one breaks it, then is it broken forever. I hope that won't be the case, thought am I sceptical about that." M'endar paused and walked about half a yard away from the chairs, "This conversation has reached its end, yes?"

Akladai nodded. "I have been tasked with defending the Dues Filli, and there are only about 300 right now. I will act in their best interest M'endar, that is why I would prefer peace right now. I hope you can understand that. Also books with a blue cover are Melanthios only books, if he catches you reading those he will kick you out."

M'endar chuckled, "I see... But don't worry about that. I am done here anyway." The Deceiver began to teleport to Evalon in order to observe the goings on there with a quick wave to Akladai.

Akladai looked at where M'endar had been standing. It seemed like the plans were already in place, he had to stop them. He teleported back to Melanthios.

 

[Pappytech]

Nivix - 18, 2

"Nivix? Are you here?" Vantric's call echoed throughout the labyrinth of halls and corridors that formed Nivix's complex, traveling vast, unknown distances.

For a moment, the only answer the god received was the bubbling of chemicals and the clanging of machinery. After a few seconds, however, Vantric's ears picked up another cry, another shout that rang throughout the massive laboratory. At first, it was a distant, tiny noise, not unlike the buzzing of a persistent fly. However, it grew steadily louder, until the visiting god could begin to make out words.

"...[small]run, run, run, run, run[/small], run, run, run, run, RUN RUN RUN RUN!"

Without warning, Nivix burst through the door, his expression panicked. Seemingly not noticing his guests, the chemister immediately spun about and slammed the entryway shut, conjured more locks than Vantric could count, and fused them into the door. Seconds later, said aperture began to shake and shudder, as though something was pounding on it with earth-shattering strength. Luckily, the locks seemed to be holding, at least for now.

Sighing in relief, Nivix slouched against the door for a minute, before finally noticing the room's other two occupants. "Oh. Vantric. And guest. Hi."

Shooting upright, the god quickly cast a sound-dampening spell on the noticeably shaking door, utterly failing in his attempts to be subtle about it. "So, what exactly brings you two here? Don't think I ever really invited you inside..."

 

[Arrogancy]

Vantric: 21, 1

Vantric paused for a moment to wonder just what Nivix had been running from. It seemed that the entire facility had shaken under the impact of whatever had blown up. He wondered if he had made the right choice in utilizing Nivix for the next step. Surely there had to be someone else who could be of use. A list of names ran through his head, not one of them was compatible with his plans. Besides, he had come to Nivix specifically BECAUSE he was at least somewhat insane.

He turned to Isond who's look of curiosity and suspicion quite probably mirrored his own. Still, he forced a slight smile. Things would have to move forward. "No, you didn't invite us in. Not explicitly at this moment, anyway." Vantric began, "But I believe that while we were assisting Aen you mentioned that I should stop by your lab sometime?" He desperately hoped that Nivix remembered that. The scientist was unstable. And that was putting things mildly.

Nivix seemed to be half listening, alternating his focus between brushing off debris from his clothing, inspecting Isond, and fiddling with the machines in the room. After a moment when Nivix made no further comment, Vantric continued. "I suppose I should introduce you to my apprentice. Nivix, please meet Isond. Isond, Nivix." Isond bowed his head respectfully.

"A pleasure." The demigod said.

"Anyway, as to the reason I'm here." The ambitious god said, "I would like to run...an experiment of sorts. I thought that you might lend me some of your considerable expertise in this matter." He smiled

 

[Floris2123]

Melanthios 9AP, 1MP

Melanthios smiled as the golems appeared, they were just as he had imagined them. Maeglin looked at the golems and then back at Melanthios. His trust had not been misplaced his father, his power was unmatched he was certain of it. Melanthios smiled as he walked towards his son "What do you think of them son? " Maeglin looked at them and then at Melanthios "They look beautiful father. And they look really useful too. " Melanthios smiled "They will be more then useful my son, they will play a vital part in our society. "

Spoiler: A conversation between Melanthios and Zareth

A flock of black feathered birds flew through the skies of Salustutis. Swooping high and low over the fields and hills before converging over the palace rooftop and coming together in the form of Zareth. He hadn't set foot on the planet he had helped make so long ago until now. It had turned out well.

Melanthios felt something drawing closer to his planet, he recognized Zareth's power and smiled happily. It had been a while since he had talked to his brother, he send a small piece of his mind to greet Zareth. It materialized behind him "Greetings brother, to what do I owe this pleasure?" Melanthios was smiling.

"Melanthios!" The death god cried out, flinging his arms around his brother, only to have them pass through his spectral form. "Well this will not do." Zareth said with mock gravity. "Hang on." He said, placing a hand through the fragment. After getting a sense of its trail he took flight again landing in the presence of his dark brother. "Is the new king too busy to try and make it in person, please tell me you aren't going native as well?" He grinned.

Melanthios fragment laughed when Zareth's hand moved through him. "I am very happy to see you as well." The fragment said before disappearing, when Zareth flew away. Zareth landed next to the quarry where 300 stone golems were standing. "Brother it has been too long." Melanthios said while he was walking forward and hugged his brother. He then let go and stepped back "I have so much to tell you, but first I want you too met my second son." Melanthios made gesture towards Maeglin. Maeglin walked forward and bowed before Zareth "It is an honor to meet you Zareth." He said slowly lifting his head.

"A second one, well you have been busy!" Zareth teased before bowing back at the quiet demigod. "A pleasure to meet you. I suppose that makes me an uncle twice over. how many birthdays have I missed?"

Melanthios laughed loudly. Maeglin looked a bit uncertain of what to do "Uhh.. well... I am 18...But Melanthios made me his son about 1 day ago. So you haven't missed any yet." Melanthios placed his hand on his sons shoulder. "It is very good to see you Zareth. So how are things going between you and Eldarwen? Everything good in paradise?" Melanthios asked a bit teasingly.

"Complicated might be a more fitting word. Eld always has some plan on the go, right now it seems she is busying herself with her own world." Looking around him, Zareth could see his spiritual sibling had been the same. "And it seems she has found a new play thing in Ailish, the results of which I have no doubt will be... interesting as well." The last part seemed to stick in his throat.

Melanthios stepped forward and placed his hand on his brothers shoulder. "I am very sorry to hear that, but know that you are always welcome here. So tell me how is your son doing? Good I take it?" Melanthios snapped in his fingers and 4 beautifully decorated purple chairs appeared. Melanthios took a seat, and he made a gesture to Zareth telling him to sit. Maeglin was smiling as he took off his helmet, he brushed his hair back and began inspecting one of the golems.

"Car will be Car." Zareth chuckled. "I don't think there's a force in creation that could get him down." He took his seat, wondering who the fourth chair was for. "You should keep an eye out for him." He said, looking at Maeglin. "This world is changing, it's bound to get his attention and when it does I'm sure he'll be happy to remind your people that he's around."

Melanthios nodded. "I will look out for my sons, you don't need to worry about me or them. But I did heard some strange rumors... Rumors about you making new alliances. Is there some truth to that?" Melanthios looked interested.

Zareth waved his hand and a table with a set of drinks appeared. Some of the finest wine from Evermoor. "You know me brother, I don't make alliances, I just wander around hoping people will take me in." He took a sip of his wine. "Have you not met Aen yet? He's a fine lad, honest and bright. Evalon is in good hands and no doubt his freshly born people will be as well."

Melanthios nodded. "I wish I could share your carefree attitude brother, I really wish I could. But for my children, I can't allow there to be any uncertainty." Melanthios grabbed the drink and took a sip. The wine was very good, and a he took a big gulp before placing it back on the table. "This is some good wine brother, good choice. And I can't say I have met Aen yet, sadly." Melanthios looked at Zareth, it was time to ask him a favor. "Brother could I ask you a favor? A big one?"

"It would be a boring visit if you didn't." The death god smirked. "I assume it has something to do with these here?" he said jerking his head at the golems beside them.

Melanthios smirked. "I guess I am always asking for help." Melanthios looked at the golems, he then looked back at Zareth. "No Zareth the favor I have to ask is a bigger one. I ask you if you would please stand beside me, when the god starts fighting. You and I both know that it will happen at some point, and I just hope that the alliance we have forged that long ago is still in effect. Unless you have made a new alliance, and moved on?" Melanthios hoped that his brother hadn't made a new one.

Zareth looked into his glass, swirling the dark liquid around and watching its movement. "I don't make alliances. I wander around and hope people will take me in." He absentmindedly repeated himself. "And I remember when I was just a cloud of mist on the wind, new to the world and unsure of my place. And I remember when a band of bolder souls took me in, showed me kindness in a vast and empty world." He looked Melanthios in eye. "We are not allies Melanthios. We're family." He said earnestly.

Melanthios smiled very brightly. "I am happy to hear that Zareth, and to me you and your son are also family." Melanthios snapped his finger, and the whole table suddenly had all kinds of different food on it. "All of these are Dues Filli meals. You will be the first god, next to me to taste me." Melanthios snapped his finger and a plate and silverware appeared before Zareth. "Now let us take this time to catch up brother. So what was it like? Beyond the void I mean?" Melanthios asked sounding curious.

So this was what the Dues made to treat their guests. Or should he call them the Filli? There must be some shorthand name they called themselves by. "It was hellish." Zareth said bluntly. "Everything there was dead and yet, the souls had lingered there, with nowhere to call their own, nowhere to rest. Have you seen what happens to a soul that has passed from it's physical form and yet remains in the living world? It becomes scared and bitter until it's warped by resentment and hatred. It was an entire world where everything's dead and yet nothing is allowed to die. What it had done to Tsuronte... it was evil."

Melanthios shuddered at the though. "Some places are just that evil I am afraid, that is why we can't allow certain people to prevail. Because if they do, our world will become like that." Melanthios took another sip from his wine, he decided to try and cheer Zareth up. But first he had to address one more thing. "Next time when you do something that dangerous, at least take some backup with you. We were all vey worried about you." Melanthios smiled as he continued. "And I just had an idea. If you want you can call your son, and we could eat with the 5 of us. If you like that idea that is." Maeglin looked up from the golem examining, he seemed to think it was an good idea, another purple chair appeared.

Zareth laughed. "It seemed I kicked up quite the fuss. I will try to be more careful in the future I promise. As for Car... well." He trailed off, getting Car to sit in one place for more than five minutes was easier said then done, but it would do him good to socialize with people he wasn't trying to kill for a change. "A good idea! Just a moment." And he snapped his fingers, opening a small tear in the air behind them and through pounced a joyous looking Carnivox.
The Hunter cried out just before he collided with the ground. Picking himself up and shaking himself off, the wolf headed Demigod looked around in shock before his eyes came to rest on the two gods before him. "What the hell?! What have I told you about warping me around?"
"Free food." Zareth said simply and pointed at the table. Carnivox looked back and forth from the table and his father. It did smell good. "Well I guess I'll let it go this time." He grumbled, taking his seat.

Melanthios smiled. "It is good seeing you again Carnivox, have you met my new son yet?" Maeglin had meanwhile taken seat, he leaned forward and extended his hand. "Hello Carnivox my name is Maeglin, it is a pleasure to meet you." Akladai suddenly appeared next to Melanthios, he looked around surprised. "Ah you got my message son, take a seat we are having a party." Akladai looked at the food and then at the guests. "I see, well it would be rude of me not to join." Akladai took a seat and grabbed his cup, he looked into it a bit surprised.

Carnivox leaned closer to the outstretched hand, giving it a sniff. He shrugged and got back to his food. "What was our agreement about these situations?" Zareth chided.
"Aaaaaw do I have to?" Carnivox moaned. Zaeth just gave him a look. The Hunter sighed and shook his head like a wet dog. In the flurry of motion his antlers withdrew and his skull shortened. Forming the fanged, elfen face he so rarely showed. Zareth gave an exaggerated cough and nodded at the two other Demigods. Carnivox sighed and shook each of their hands. "Nice to meet you both."

Both the demigods smiled. "It is a pleasure to meet you Carnivox." Maeglin said a bit scared. "Are the stories about you true?" He asked sounding a bit worried. Akladai grinned and said "I am glad to have finally met you Carnivox." Melanthios snapped his fingers again, a small campsite formed around them.
Melanthios looked at Zareth "Zareth you might be interested to hear, that I have a new and interesting idea for my race. And I would ask your help with executing this idea, since they need something which you can give them far better then I can."

Car continued to shovel food into his mouth as if it might disappear at any moment. "I dunno." He barked between mouthfuls. "What'da the stories?"
Zareth tuned out the other conversation, focusing purely on his brother. "Really? I doubt there's much I can give them that you can't." He said skeptically.

Maeglin looked at Melanthios who was talking to Zareth. He then looked back at Carnivox and said "Well the Dues Filli stories say, that you hate knowledge. And that the more a person knows, the bigger the change is that you will hunt them down and kill them..Is that true?" Maeglin looked a bit scared. Akladai shook his head grinning, he grabbed some food and started eating it.
Melanthios smiled. "You underestimate yourself brother. And I wanted to ask your help, with making a few people of the Dues Filli immortal." Melanthios took a sip of his drink as he looked at Zareth, waiting on a response.

"How can you hate all knowledge?" Carnivox asked with genuine curiosity. "Then I have hate myself 'cus I know stuff."
Zareth was surprised to say the least. "Immortality? Brother, that kind of goes against everything I am. Why would you need immortal? Your people live longer than any mortal being in creation what could they possibly need more time for?"

Maeglin seemed to ponder for a while. "That makes sense. Thank you for clearing that up Carnivox. Also if you want anymore food, just ask." Akladai seemed to be enjoying his meal, he was still sad about the way his chat with M'endar had ended.
Melanthios seemed to think. "Well we need people to teach the younger generations. The problem is part of the knowledge is always lost along the way, so that is why I wanted to give them more time. You see without the proper teachers, one can never ask a student to grow. Without guidance, a race can never fully develop. And that is why a race such as mine really needs good teachers, and what better teacher is there then experience?"

"Last I checked you and your people were avid fans of writing everything down so knowledge wouldn't be lost. The Filli are still young brother, barely a generation has passed. The other races have progressed fine with the time they have and the prospect of their lives ending one day has inspired some of their greatest achievements and works of art. Forgive me but it sounds like you propose is to trap these teachers in an eternal state of servitude, to deny them the chance at growth and change that age and end have brought others."

Melanthios nodded. "While I can understand your concerns brother, might I counter with asking a simple question. Do you know what it is like to be mortal? Knowing that no matter what you do, you will one day die? And you have 80 years if you are lucky. But some fear death, some are content with their life and want to continue it." Melanthios looked straight into Zareth's eyes.
"That is why I want offer a few of these people, the option to live forever. They will not be forced into it, and they can ask to be killed as soon as they have had enough. I just want to give a few of my children, the chance to live as long as they want. Is that really a bad thing?"

Truth be told he did know, though not directly. Each of the gods had been born with different knowledge and through his Zareth had lived a thousand lives. Some cursed to never end, others tragically short. His mind wandered to what Eldarwen had once said, of living lives before this one. Were these memories simply those of other Zareth's that had come before him? That question would have to wait. He could see his brother was set on this path and he had to admit that part of him could understand the desire to keep going and never stop. The idea of unchecked immortality was a worrying one, he knew enough about it to know the consequences could be dire. But Melanthios had swayed his worry with mention of giving them an ability to die should they choose.
There was no stopping this and surely it would be better if he was involved so that he might be able to help the mortals involved. "Very well, I'll help you. But you must promise me that they will be able to die in some way if they wish."

Melanthios laughed. "Of course I will give them a way. They are my children, they should be able to end their own lives should they wish. I hope you do not think me so cruel, as to lock my own children into a endless existence while they do know desire it." Melanthios smiled teasingly.
"Also how has the underworld been? Also has my assistance with creating it helped in anyway?" Melanthios had wondered that for a long time now.

That was good to hear. "Evermoor carries on, one of the great things about not existing on a physical plane is that its only limit is the imagination of those who inhabit it. As for your help... look around you." Zareth spread his arms wide. "This entire planet is dotted with doors to it. See if you can spot the nearest one." This part was always fun.

Melanthios looked around, he seemed to think while feeling the magic around him. He looked at Zareth, he looked at his magic and then looked around for anything remotely like it. "I am afraid to say, I can't see any near here. Is that correct?" Melanthios stood up and looked around.

A smug smile crept across Zareth's face. "Right there." He leisurely pointed to the quarry wall. "They blend and mold themselves into the world around them, they stand, and they wait until they're needed. Until then they're hidden to those who have no business seeking them. The beauty of a living realm."

Melanthios looked surprised, he then smiled and looked at Zareth. "See there you go brother. You were easily able to hide that door from me, just like I told you. You can do many things I can't." Melanthios took his seat again. He drank some more win and then looked at Zareth. "This is nice don't you agree?"
Maeglin looked at Carnivox. "So what do you do most of the time? " He asking sounding interested.

Zareth smiled. "Finest vintage in Evermoor, not suitable for those with a heartbeat."
Carnivox looked up from a leg of meat he had been knawing on. "Y'know... mess with stuff, check out the planets, grab loot. What do you do?"

Melanthios smiled. "Well I have no heartbeat." Or do I? Melanthios suddenly seemed a distressed.
Maeglin laughed. "Well I have only been a demigod for a few days now, but I mostly learn things, read things and lead the Dues Filli. Perhaps we could go hunting sometime? If you would want that is." Maeglin suggested. Akladai was still lost in thought.

His ears pricked up at that. "Sure." He hadn't hunted with a pack before, that'd be good. new. He looked over at the quiet one, Akladai. The smell was unmistakable, it was him, just like he remembered.

Maeglin smiled. "I am happy to hear that. I am sure we will become good friends." Akladai looked at Carnivox. The look he gave him, was one of total understanding. "So you finally recognized me." he said with a smile.

He snarled back, yet there was no violence in it. "I could say the same to you. You were never this quiet before." He said in a low voice. The Hunter slowly rose to his feet and passed the table to his altered sibling, standing almost nose to nose with him. He looked deep into his eyes with a stare that seemed to go straight through him. "You're not all there." He sniffed at the air around him. "Or maybe you're more there than before. Are the any of the others left? I catch their scents on the wind sometimes but it's so faint."

Akladai smiled. "I like to think that I am more then I was before. I used to just hunger, without ever feeling full or even learning anything. But now I have a purpose for my hunger, and a place to call home. And about the others, I know where 2 more are. Darkness is locked inside a special cage outside of this realm. And Horror has been turned into a demigod by Seith. And wouldn't you agree, that we are more now then were before, Carnivox? Or should I say KLUduci? Which one do you prefer?" Akladai sounded friendly.

"Since it's you, you can just call me Car." Horror was still around, that was interesting. If he remembered right the one called Seith had made a den for himself in the god place. He would have to find them, he wasn't sure why... he just wanted to. "Maybe we talk about this some other time? All of us, whoever's left." he didn't know what they could talk about but part of him still felt attached to the others. The old gang. He smirked to himself.
"I got stuff to do." The hunter said before turning heel and disappearing over the quarry edge.

The 2 demigods looked at each other. "It was nice meeting him." They both commented before going back to dinner.
Melanthios looked at Zareth. "I have a question for you Zareth. How about I organize a party like this one, only bigger inside our new hall? We could invite M'endar and Vantric. And maybe even more people, like Reo and Nivix. What do you think of that idea?"

"Easier said than done. But worth a try." He remembered what it was like to see everyone gathered over Aen's creation, it was good seeing so many of his peer's together again. It would be make a nice change from the usual politics to get everyone together with no other reason then to sit down, talk and enjoy each other's company. "Well you can put me down as attending. Until then I have business of my own to attend to, the dead may rest in peace but they're rarely peaceful about it." With that he walked to the portal in the quarry wall and left the mortal realm.

Melanthios smiled, he was happy that his brother had accepted. He looked up at the golems, he then closed his eyes. He would now give his race the biggest gift yet, the ability to craft arcane items. Melanthios completed his spell and he made 300 new spirits with knowledge. The spirits flew up in the air and headed for the Dues Filli, they would teach them how to craft arcane objects.

Spoiler: Action

Inspire 300 Dues Filli.
Teach them arcane crafting.
Difficulty: 9
Usage: 3 AP
Domain: Arcane magic +6 Wisdom +4

 

[JoJo]

Roe 13, 2

Finally after a long ride, Grix returned to the hilltop where Aen stood with a thud as it's reptilian feet skid along the ground. The dragon then lowered it'd body down let Roe and Petal depart.

"Thanks!" Roe beamed at Aen and then the two children left. After a minute Roe looked up at the sky, Niv was close to setting over the western horizon.

"Time to go home Pets?" he asked his friend.

"Yes," She nodded in reply with a yawn, "I wish we could ride the dragon home though, he was so cool,"

Roe thought about this for a moment and then he had an idea.

"Close your eyes," he said with a grin as he imagined Petal's cry of alarm when she saw his finished creation, "I'll make something which can take us home!"

Spoiler: Action

DC9, 3AP - Creating or altering a non-sentient species smaller than an elephant - Roe creates the Velocifly.

These giant insects have a wingspan of several metres and despite their huge size are relatively docile, meaning they can be trained. Their insect wings are not especially strong but even so, they can carry approximately the weight of two seven year old humans, or one twelve year old, for long distances relatively quickly.

 

[Belmarc]

Aen 19,1

Aen had all the blood he needed now, and a neat collection of spheres in varying sizes and colors. It was time to do something with it. Many humans lived in this area, he had noticed, but their god hadn't shown them any attention in many, many years. It was time to change that.

He hid the blood from mortal view, which wasn't hard, considering it was all deity blood, and took on a physical form. Then he walked among the people of the land, laughing with them, eating with them, and telling them of a god that had noticed the apathy of their deity and was willing to help. He was surprised that many showed interest, even after he told them that it might cause a change in them or their children. He marked those with the blood he thought most appropriate and told them that was all it would take. The change would come in time, either for themselves or their children. He taught the people how to bond with the creatures around them and use the magic of runes. He also taught them how to fight for themselves, and the importance of holding goodness in their hearts. Once the final drop of blood was used, Aen stepped out of his Avatar and looked over his new people. They were still human, but they were also different, now. He hoped they wouldn't see it as a curse and accept his gift with gratitude. There was nothing left to do but wait.

<spoiler= Actions>
Take on a physical avatar, effortless

Finish the process of altering a sentient race, already paid and rolled

<spoiler= Changelings>

+Bonding: Every member of the race has the ability to bond with any willing creature. They can only discover their own true name at this point, and are able to discover the true name of their partner to be so that the bonding may be done.

+Diverse: With their many genetic strains and cultures, as a whole they are able to overcome many obstacles and do many things.

+Magic: The race has the capacity for magic: affinity and capability are decided by strain, but that does not mean an individual must use it.

----------------------------

-Bonding: If the bondmate on either side is killed, it is likely to kill or temporarily cripple the partner, and even if they live it will have lasting effects.

-Diverse: The many cultures and strains cause conflict, prejudices, and feuds.

-Magic: Using magic takes a physical toll on their bodies, and using too much at once could potentially kill the caster.

(I need to edit in what the tribes are and their specifics after completely talking it over with the respective players. I'll expand further on the wiki after that.)

 

[drmigit2]

Seith watched as the scepter he had so carefully made melted in his hands. M'endariux had finally struck and gotten "revenge" or whatever he wanted to call it. Seith simply hoped this meant M'endar would leave him alone now. His race of clockwork beings were spawned and Sephariel seemed very pleased by her accomplishment. Lennonous on the other hand was fuming that his race had failed. Seith placed his hand on his son's shoulder and said "Worry not, there will be more opportunities soon to come. You are new here and this is a great challenge for later. For now, help me make the scepter again."

Seith picked up the goo that his instrument had turned into and cast it back into raw materials. His orders were very simple, try again.

Spoiler: Actions

Seith: Make the same +2 item. +6 Enlightenment, +6 change.

Lennonous: Assist with the +2 item.

 

[Pappytech]

Nivix - 14, 2

*To be filled in probably never, actually*

Spoiler: Action

Grant genuine immortality and invulnerability to a single mortal: DC 11, 4 AP.
+6 Knowledge, +2 Magical Artifice = +8

Prevents Ven's eventual decay, keeping his sanity, personality, and knowledge intact for eternity.

 

[Terratina.]

M'endaxius - 10/30 AP, 1/2 MP

The same rumble came from across the cosmos. Now this was just pitiful. M'endar could do this all day long, even for all of eternity. Seith may think that he might be safe from its wrath now. But to continue to create weaponary like this was just an insult. Why even bother? The cycle could continue forever. Well, this time would just be like the last time, repercussions be damned. With a single though, M'endar willed the specter to remain as goo.

Spoiler: Actions

Hinder Seith with his +2 item creation action

Bonus(es) - Deception [+4], Corruption [+4], Chaos [+4]

 

[TheBlueShotgun0]

Penatr 23AP 1MP

With the Sharulk's creation, the famine in the lower levels of Loth Ringard, and any ideas of revolt that went with it, evaporated quickly. Erik was praised as Pentar's prophet and his rule remained unquestioned throughout the next few weeks. With praise came power, and Erik used it to extend the influence of the crown. He centralized the military under the command of General Darith, a trusted ally, and instituted more public works projects to stimulate the economy and refurbish the city. Taxes were also increased, but not terribly so, and few challenged
these decisions. Pentar took this time to explain the different Gods and Goddesses to Erik so that he could pass it on to his people.

What caught Pentar's attention, though, was the temple on the hill. Once word of the Sharulk spread, even more pilgrims and workers flocked to the hill to complete it's construction. It was finished within a week, and Pentar adored it. It was fairly simple; it was made of cobblestone with a modest gravel path connecting it to the city. Inside stood several marble statues depicting Pentar, Erik, and many of his creations. Mounted above the large but simple alter was a tall statue of Pentar with his hammer raised. Every day, hundreds of monks and holy men, along with troubled or pious commoners from the mountain, would kneel and pray at this alter. They prayed for many things. Some asked for joy and happiness, others for good treatment in the afterlife. Some prayed for a cure for an ill family member, and Pentar always made sure to make Erik aware of such sicknesses; his people must be able to help themselves after all.

The monks of this shrine were of particular interest. They had chosen to devote their lives to the worship of him, and Pentar respected them for it. He also noticed that many of the other races, such as the Lainir and Ekiruru, had inherent magical potential while the Dwarves had no such power. Of course, all beings could learn magic, but it would never come easy for a Dwarf. But if the Dwarven Kingdom was to compete with the other races, they must have a team of magicians among them. Thus, one early morning when the monks were praying, Pentar animated the statue of himself and spoke to them.

"Greetings, my followers."

The monks looked up in astonishment before bowing their heads again in respect. One of them, probably the head priest, spoke with his head still bowed. "We are honored by your presents, my lord. How may we serve you?"

The statue faced the Dwarf who had spoken. "In fact, I have come to serve you, my children." he said. Pentar could sense their surprise. "I've come to teach you valuable knowledge."

"What knowledge do you speak of, my lord?" the head priest asked.

The statue smiled. "The knowledge of magic. This will make you powerful beyond your wildest dream, but their is one condition. You and your order must never use magic for any personal gain. Every time you use it, it must be to serve your people."

"We understand, lord Pentar."

"Very well then." Pentar said, and so he showed the first Knights of Order the way of magic.

Spoiler: Action

Inspire a large group of mortals(500) and teach them magic: DC 9
+4 Order
+4 Justice

 

[JoJo]

The Storyteller

"The Second Age was drawing to a close and it seemed even many of the gods were fatigued, for only a handful acted in this period. Eldarwen created the sword of Amour with the assistance of Ailish, and her demigod Sonitus inspired a number of the Ekiruru through her skill of her singing. Melanthios too inspired his race by teaching many of them the art of arcane crafting and Pentar inspired a large group of mortals too.

Meanwhile Roe created the Velocifly upon Evalon, a race of giant insects who would be trained in future ages by mortals to carry small loads, though not strong enough to carry the weight of most adult mortals. Nivix granted immortality
and invulnerability to a single mortal, Ven, to preserve his body and mind from an otherwise eventual decay.

Seith attempted for a second time to create the Staff of Brilliance but yet again was hindered by the power of M'endar, this time the staff launched itself into space and blew up in a giant flash of light, an event witnessed by mortals on all four of the planets."

.​

Roe - 13, 2

Roe and Petal soared over Evalon on the back on the Velocifly Roe created, she had reacted with exactly the hilarious shriek he had imagined when he conjured up the beast but quickly got over her squeamishness when she realised it was the chance for another ride.

Finally the two children landed back in the clade where they'd sat earlier that day. Niv was brushing against the horizon, spilling orange light across the leafy clearing. Once they both got off their ride, Petal sleepily put an arm around Roe.

"Thanks for a fun day and the whistle you gave me," she said simply and reached up to kiss his cheek like she had earlier that day. Roe however shoved her back with his arm, perhaps a little harder than he intended as she fell back and landed with a thud on the muddy ground.

"Ouch, what did you do that for?" Petal cried, looking up in confusion at him.

"I don't want people thinking... you know... you're my girlfriend or something," Roe replied with a frown, still remembering the way the other gods had taunted him back on the hilltop.

"You didn't have to push me over, say sorry now!" Petal said indignantly, tears brimming around her eyes.

"No, it's your fault, you shouldn't keep trying to kiss me," Roe muttered angrily.

"I hate you Roe!" she yelled, "You're just a stupid ugly idiot fat boy and I hate you so much!" With that she leapt up and ran into the bushes towards her village, sobbing as she left. Usually Roe would have accompanied her most of the way but he was fuming so instead he sat down and threw stones at a nearby tree as hard as he could. A minute later a voice suddenly spoke in his head.

"It's Olek, I need your help urgently my boy," it boomed.

Roe stood up moodily and hopped through the air, over the sandy islands and clear blue seas of the Maroe Archipelago towards the southern continent of Olegard. He came to halt over an enormous city port, it's harbour filled with hundreds of wooden ships and many more tiny men running around them like ants. Olek was there too, an invisble but omnipresent force that ran through the entire city and was evidently ordering the mortals below to do whatever they were preparing. Roe sat down cross-legged on a cloud and waved at his ally.


"Hey, Olek!" he called. The mist that hung over the port coalesced and shaped itself into the vague resemble of a human face.

"You got my message, little one?"

"Uh huh. You want help?"

"Yes," The mist formed a giant hand which pointed to the ships below, "I am about to lead an invasion of the lands to the north and west: those of the Lainir, the Dwarves and the Verr. These species, and their respective gods, are in the way of humanity's manifest destiny."

"What about the humans in Almia, you haven't..." Roe started and then stopped himself just in time, this Olek seemed different from usual and he wasn't sure how the elder god would react to the point that he hadn't answered the prayers of many of his race for countless years.

"Almia?" Olek rumbled, "Those humans live inpure lives amongst the other races, they aren't fit to be a part of my empire!"

"Okay," Roe gulped, "Why do you need me then?"

"I need you to back me up in case I get attacked by one of those gods. Can you do that for me?"

"Uh... yeah," Roe replied half-heartedly, he didn't have any quarrel with the gods Olek was about to attack but he felt like he still owed his ally a debt for saving him in the last age.

"Excellent!" Olek roared and the ships began to leave the port, heading one by one out to sea. "You hide up above us in the clouds and come if I call for you, got it?" he told Roe and then swept downwards to lead his fleet. Roe followed on above, vaguely watching the ships below but mainly still fuming about his argument with Petal.

Once he reached the front of his army, Olek sent out a shout to every other god in the universe.

"I'M COMING TO CLAIM THE LANDS THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO ME AND MY EMPIRE IN EVALON, ANY ONE OF YOU WHO DARES HINDER ME OR MY FLEET SHALL SUFFER BY MY BLADE."

 

[Dogmatic99]

Zareth AP 21 MP 2

Perhaps the design is little too organic. Zareth pondered, wandering through the fields of Evermoor. Ironically there were just too many portals. New souls were being dropped in at random points almost every second. No it needed a touch of organisation, a way that the newly departed could be introduced to this new existence and not be thrown, thrashing into the deep end.

"I'M COMING TO CLAIM THE LANDS THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO ME AND MY EMPIRE IN EVALON, ANY ONE OF YOU WHO DARES HINDER ME OR MY FLEET SHALL SUFFER BY MY BLADE."

But the redecorating would have to wait. He took to the nearest gate, coming out at the heart of Olegard. Zareth rode the wind until he found Olek and his assembled armies. To the mortal eye it appeared that a normal crow flew through the city streets and over the heads of the soldiers lined up there, then beyond that and over the armada. The host seemed to stretch on as far as the eyes could see. Finally he came to its head and the God that lead them.

He circled over Olek screeching out to get his attention, before perching on the bow, facing Olek himself. To the mortal crew it sounded like the little bird had taken a dislike to their lord, cawing at him fiercely. To any divine being that was listening, it sounded very different.

"Turn away from this Olek. You are making war with powers that out number you three to one, maybe more. If not for yourself then for your people. You're dragging them into a fight that isn't theirs. If you go through with this thousands of innocent people will be caught in the cross-fire, millions maybe. And for what, one soul's pride? It isn't too late, you can walk away and lose nothing."

 

[Terratina.]

M'endaxius - 10/30 AP, 1/2 MP

It watched the flash of light with a veneer of calm, but inside revelling in the item's destruction. The moon was a truly a great vantage point to watch the light show. Another rumble came through the cosmos. Was it Seith trying to create the item yet again? If so, M'endar was more than ready to destroy the product of his endeavours yet again. Nevertheless, a different voice caused the rumble. A voice that boomed with anger and conviction, threatening it and its race.

"I'M COMING TO CLAIM THE LANDS THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO ME AND MY EMPIRE IN EVALON, ANY ONE OF YOU WHO DARES HINDER ME OR MY FLEET SHALL SUFFER BY MY BLADE."

M'endar transformed into dark mist [http://www.officialpsds.com/images/thumbs/Black-Mist-psd36393.png], and lingered above the skies of Evalon watching the vanguard of the fleet. Who had decided that all the lands of the crowded planet belonged to him? M'endar was puzzled. The god could easily create a planet for humanity to live on, alone. Like what three of the gods had done. He could even shield the planet like the tree woman did. His anger was a mystery to M'endar. So it decided to watch and to wait, like a dark cloud hovering in the sky.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Eldarwen 1

The twig was purified and transformed into a sword, but with the qualities of an instrument. It could be played.

"Thank you again, Ailish." Eldarwen placed her hand on Ailish's shoulder and smiled. She hadn't even asked for her help this time, and still gotten it. "I'm sure Sonitus will be pleased with this gift."

Auctor smiled gently. Even if others may have been jealous of their sister when she got a gift, and they didn't, she was genuinely happy for her. "I'm sure she will be, mother." Though she believed that she'd be happier because of Eldarwen's thought, than the actual gift.

Eldarwen teleported up to the roof with the gift, but Sonitus didn't notice her. She was singing to the stars up above. Her voice had inspired the mortals below in the courtyard, who tried to mimick the language she spoke and use it in an understandable way.

"Amour Amour am Ende, gefangen zwischen deinen Zähnen."

She thought it was a beautiful song, and knew it had come straight from Sonitus' heart. Eldarwen cleared her throat to get the attention of her daughter. The singer turned around, with tears in her eyes and stopped singing.

"Oh, I must look pitiful." She wiped the tears from her eyes, and stood up. "I'm sorry, mother. What did you want?"

Some part of Eldarwen wanted to dry her tears and hug her, but the mixed emotions between them made it difficult for her to actually perform the action.

"Do not worry about it, for not all tears are an evil. I understand that the truth about who I am have made it hard for us to continue as we once were, and that you may not have wanted the destiny I chose for you. But here we are, and I have no intention of undoing the action." The godess said.

Sonitus nodded, but didn't look entirely happy about it.

"I have a gift for you, to remind you that I still care." The words didn't come easy, but the look in the singer's eyes made them worth it. "Amour."

Sonitus wondered if her mother knew the meaning of the word, as she thought she had been the first one to speak it, or sing it in her case. The queen showed her the sword, and she wondered why her mother thought that was a good gift. Sonitus had never been a warrior, but when she touched the sword she felt its true power. It had strings on it and could be played. It was just as powerful as Sonitus herself. She took the sword with a grin and bowed deeply.

"Thank you, mother. I will cherish it, like I cherish you."

An explosion of light could be seen on the night sky. Eldarwen didn't know what to say in response, and thankfully they were interrupted before she got the chance to destroy the moment. A message from Olek, the god of the despicable humans, came to her.

It was a threat to everyone on Evalon, but she felt giddy. If the god of humanity had finally shown his true colors, then she would get the chance to see humans suffer and die, at the hand of her own creations.

"Would you be a sweetie and summon an army for me, Sonitus?" She said, almost laughing.

They could show up to aid and get praised as heroes if something went bad, and she got to watch humans die. What a great night this had turned out to be. Eldarwen teleported down to the throne room, and Sonitus called out to any able bodied soldier to show up as soon as they could from the rooftop of the castle. Auctor heard her summoning them, and made sure that some of her own synthetics would be there. It would give her a chance to study them properly in battle.

Within the hour fourhundred Ekiruru had gathered in the courtyard, whereas half of them were synthetics. The large gate to the throne room swung open, and they marched through the trees, each one leading a wyvern. Eldarwen clapped her hands where she sat in the throne and watched them, with a wide smile on her face. Auctor was already on the other side of the portal, where she had made sure to find out where the human army was.

Sonitus was the last one to appear, leading a wyvern of her own. "I'll make sure they don't get lost, and should some god try to interfere, I will call on you."

Eldarwen blew her a kiss, which she hadn't expected, but she seemed to have entered a state of bliss. "I'll be keeping my eyes on the humans." To get to watch them fail and die. She didn't say the last part out loud though.

Auctor saw her sister come through the portal last. Well, they didn't have a leader for the army without the queen and since she liked all mortals, Sonitus would probably not hesitate to stop the humans from killing everyone else. She also spotted some of the synthetics carrying bottles, but she didn't know what was in them. They'd probably been made by the new alchemists. Surprisingly fast, or the synthetics had made them themselves. She didn't know how many had been affected by Eldarwen's alchemy action.

"What are those?" She asked one of the synthetics, and pointed to the small bottle in her hand.

"Inferno." Ten of the synthetics answered her at the same time. "We were told that ships are made of wood. Which we all know burns. We made it, after she gave us the knowledge of alchemy."

Auctor nodded and wrote it down, without commenting on their answer. Sonitus climbed onto her wyvern, a bit unsteady, but eventually got used to it. "I didn't bring one for you, sister."

"Oh, I'll be watching you. You want to fly to the west." Auctor said, scribbled the teleportation spell down and disappeared.

"You heard her." Sonitus said, and urged her wyvern on. It ran towards the wall of the cliff, but took of before it ran into it, flying straight upwards. The singer held her sword above her head, as the fourhundred Ekiruru followed her example.

Eldarwen felt safe leaving her planet, as the shield would still inform her of any intruders. She walked through the portal, after telling ten battle born to guard it. She changed her form, to a creature with wings. One she remembered from a time long gone, and flew towards the clouds, faster than anyone else, passing Sonitus and their soldiers. Soon she spotted the ships of the humans below her.

<spoiler=Action>
Change avatar: Effortless.

 

[TheBlueShotgun0]

disregard

 

[JoJo]

Spoiler: Conversation between Aen, Ailish, M'endar, Olek, Seith and Zareth

Olek stood at the helm of the first and largest ship in his fleet, confident that whatever stood in his way he could overcome. He glanced up at the sky, knowing somewhere up there the child god was hiding and waiting for his signal, he doubted he'd need him though. "How far away are we from the shores of western Almia?" he barked at a peon. "About an hour Your Highness, if the wind's good," the human stuttered back.

The voice of Ailish appeared. "Why is a realm yours? Why not direct your forces to the heavens you came from? They would need your resolve more than here?"


Olek spun around, looking for who had spoken "Eldarwen, Ailish? I know it's one of you, where are you? Have you come to challenge me?" he spat out the last part and bared his sword.

The dark cloud that hovered in the sky twisted and turned from Olek to Almia and saw the Verr. They hadn't noticed the fleet sailing towards them. M'endar transmitted a message to them, one filled with caution and fear, "The humans sail towards you with sword in hand. Ready yourselves." Afterwards, the Verr were a flock of activity, Cravers were being let loose from the execution grounds and the Phalanxes were marching towards.

Zareth sighed and looked at Olek wearily. "you're losing your touch Olek, stop this madness, save yourself and those under your care."

Ailish spoke again. "I have only words for you. There's a much worthier cause than what you're pursuing. One that can restore the heavens you came from, and immortalize you as savior and hero of the Ideal Gods."

"Madness?" Olek cried, slamming his sword into the wooden deck in front of him. "Do you know what real madness is? That my own creations live on that rock yonder alongside the Verr and make no effort to eliminate the slime beings from what should be rightfully theirs. I will not restore the heavens, I will remake them in my image!"


Zareth's feathers ruffled at that. "This will end in blood."

"The gate in the Mourning Garden is open." Ailish said, "If you can truly change the heavens, you will know where the entrance is... May you find peace."

On hearing those words, M'endar turned to Olek, leaving a dark vapour trail, "Yesss. Inside the portal lies the true power for you and your race."

"In the blood of my enemies," Olek retorted, "Did you know that I'm more powerful than all the other gods combined? Yes, all of you will one day pay homage to me as the child god does, if you still live" He turned to Ailish "You speak nothing but nonsense though, I will not allow such speech in my presence,"

Seith heard the voice as all the other gods did. He decided to for a moment, simply watch what Olek did. After all, assessing a situation was important.

Zareth looked around in disbelief. The humans would be killed if they went through the portal, worse than killed. He knew Ailish was ambitious but was she really willing to sacrifice so many innocents just for her pride?

M'endar gave a silent chuckle and when back to the sky, this one was clearly deluded. No persuasion or offer of power would sate him. Zareth was right, the only thing now was to wait until the other god realised that. But it would not be too cruel, M'endar gave them a little hint, "This is a rabid dog. Talk to and you will only get snarls and bitten fingers. Best to put this one to sleep."

The booming voice echoed in his head long after he'd heard it. The lands belonging to him and his empire? Perhaps he'd angered the god by taking in and altering his people, though the god himself had abandoned them long ago. They were in no condition to fight as it was anyways, as young as they were, so he'd have to try to smooth things over. Though if things got rough, he might get the fight he wanted after all. The prospect didn't really fill him with any joy, however. This was not how he wanted it to be. But in the end, this was how it was. With a reluctant sigh and a single look back on the people he may have endangered, Aen sent himself out across the waves, tracing the voice to its source. He paused a moment, taking in the situation. Zareth had gotten there before him it seemed, and he was talking to the deity disguised as a human on one of tone of the ships. That must be the one he must speak to. "Hello, stranger. It is unfortunate that we must meet under such circumstances, and I apologize for not asking permission before changing the people of Almia. To be fair, they'd been long abandoned and seemed to welcome my protection. I ask that you put up your sword and send your fleet back home, so that we may talk about this calmly."

Olek looked around at the other gods, a manic glint in his eyes, he settled on Aen and spoke in a low voice. "You're one of them eh? Did you know the humans, they plotted against me too! The kings of Olegard, they tried to stop me, me a God!"


"Perhaps they were right to." Zareth hissed, tapping his talons against the ship's wooden frame.

Aen watched the god curiously. He was beginning to understand why they might do that. "I suppose that didn't go too well for them, considering the situation we are in now."

"No!" Olek shouted at Zareth and Aen, "Why should I listen you two? One of you perverted members of my own race, however wretched and fallen they were, to something far worse and the other is in league with Eldarwen, the she-devil!"

"Actually, to be fair, I'm both of those things," Aen offered helpfully.

Ailish spoke. "You spoke that you could change the heavens in your image and now you say you cannot?"

Zareth was taken aback by the outburst. The face of a crow cannot easily show confusion so the sight was probably strange one.

"I created men to obey me, to be part of my empire" Olek muttered, "they wouldn't listen though, they let the other gods in their hearts and made their own nations. Corrupted by all of you... it's all of your fault's. This is why I'm taking back these lands, so humanity can become pure and loyal again!"

M'endar was puzzled again by this strange god, it mused aloud, "Pure? How can they be pure if they still know of other gods when you have taken over this land? Surely the only solution is to create a plane all for yourself and your humans where no one else can venture?"

Zareth sent a mental message to Aen. "He's gone completely native and mad on top of it."

"Pure because I will make them forget about all of the other gods except me... and Roe I suppose, he is loyal to me, doesn't cause much trouble. He will be my adopted son and second on this planet until I lead humanity into space and onto the others planets,"

Seith had seen enough. He landed on the boat and landed on the boat, spreading his wings he spoke. "War is unacceptable Olek. Turn your forces back before it's too late."

"Glad to see we agree on one thing." It said as Seith floated down, then M'endar challenged Olek with, "There will always be remenants in this realm, Olek, Create your own and be free."

"Pfffh," Olek laughed in Seith's face "You sound just like that old King Haran... right before I had his head removed! Perhaps I should do the same to you, pacifism is for the weak and feeble-minded,"

Seith seemed unphased by Olek. He walked up to the god, but then turned around. "So...this is who Tsuranote sacrificed himself for? A malevolent war-monger with a taste for murder? Such a shame. I had hopes for you Olek, I really did. It seems evil really is all that can come from that cursed portal. Turn back. I will not repeat myself again."

"Tsuranote?" For a brief moment Olek's face softened, remembering the fallen god, "He saved me and the boy true, he was one of a few truly noble gods among you, sacrificing himself to correct the terrible mistake made by that charlatan Ailish. Among others it is his name I fight in,"

"Then you should know this isn't what he would want. Tsuronte was a being of peace up until his end." Zareth's patience was wering thin.

Seith whipped around. "No. You fight for yourself. Tsuranote was a god of joy, you are a god of hate. The only thing you two share in common is your godhood."

Olek turned to Ailish in particular, "You, you created that portal on purpose didn't you, so the creatures would attack me,"

"It's all a lie, that I came out of the portal you say, it's not true, I was the first god in existence and you devils keep plotting against me, changing my own mind so I don't know what happened or didn't happened, but I know what's true, I never would have come from such a place"

"Are you sure that you simply didn't remember?" Ailish said.

"I would remember such a hellish place, one so unordered," Olek replied, "Give up the game Ailish, I know you're lying,"

"It's unfortunate that you decided to travel by sea, as you've been getting closer and closer to landing your army as we speak. Time's running out for all of us it seems. If you won't stop your army, perhaps you need to be stopped. How about it: test your weapon against mine, one on one?" Aen hadn't been looking forward to this fight but his heart raced as he reached over his shoulder just the same.

"I accept your offer, corrupter of men," Olek said.

Finally someone was getting to the point here, thought M'endar was uncertain whether it should aid Aen. Just in case, M'endar sent a message, "Do you require some assistance?"

Olek brought out his mighty sword and held it aloft, it may not have been a magical item like he had tried and failed to create twice but it was formidable blade none the less.

"No," Olek replied quietly, "it's you Ailish who's been responsible for all of this, and once I've finished with Aen you will be next. Such a hideous being is not worthy to live in this universe or the next, not even beyond the portal."

Aen was so focused on the god of man he barely noticed M'endar's message. He gave a slight shake of his head and sent a quick message full of his determination to do this on his own. He had promised a one on one battle, and would not go back on his word. As Aen's blade left the scabbard, the runes in his blade began to glow faintly and the same light filled his eyes. "Let's do this somewhere the mortals won't be hurt by the after effects, shall we? There is still hope to save them once I've bested you."

Seith shook his head and said with disdain "I will not allow you to harm another god Olek. If these are your intentions then so be it." Unbeknownst to Aen, Seith enchanted his blade with his own powers, enough to amplify the warrior's strength two fold.

M'endar caught the shake of the head. If this god wanted to win by honourable means, with no assistance, so be it. M'endar floated back up to Evalon's atmosphere and began the watch the battle. The hidden assistance was a little devious for a upstanding god such as Seith. As it floated into the atmosphere, M'endar transmitted, "Know now that you won't defeat him with your own and only your own power, for others are rude and don't ask before interfering."

"I agree to those terms," Olek replied, "Why not fight upon those great mountains on Almia? My fleet are competent enough to steer themselves until after my victory,"

Aen sent a message to Grix, warning him to clear away all the life from the mountains, then nodded in agreement. He headed for the mountains but took the time to introduce himself with his enemy before the battle commenced. "Since we haven't quite discussed it before, my name is Aen, and I would ask the name of the brave opponent I face in battle this day before we begin."

"My name is Olek, god of humanity," he boomed as he too headed towards the great mountains, no-one but him noticing Roe silently following far above, "today we fight for the future of Evalon!"

 

[Arrogancy]

Vantric: 15, 1
Isond: 6

"Fascinating." Vantric replied, watching the scientist do...something...to one of the metallic creatures he recognized as the Mizzen. "It's quite interesting what you've done. However, back to my issue..." At that moment a psychic message echoed through his mind.

"I'M COMING TO CLAIM THE LANDS THAT RIGHTFULLY BELONG TO ME AND MY EMPIRE IN EVALON, ANY ONE OF YOU WHO DARES HINDER ME OR MY FLEET SHALL SUFFER BY MY BLADE." It was Olek.

A single thought ran through Vantric's mind as the loud, shouting message was processed. What? Vantric thought. In truth, he had been too busy with his own plots and moving against Seith and Pentar to bother with the warrior. He had almost forgotten that the god of men existed. That seemed to have been a mistake, he reflected. It was rather unlike him to be caught so off-guard.

Vantric gritted his teeth. "It seems our business will have to wait." He said to Nivix. "If you'll excuse me, it seems I have some work to attend to." He vanished in a flash of light, taking Isond with him. The pair reappeared back in the Grand Ascension. The elder god immediately began pacing. Isond just stood back, waiting for a moment.

"So, what's the plan?" He asked.

Vantric stopped and turned toward his apprentice. Plan? Yes, he needed a plan. He would just have to improvise. He was good at that. Play it by ear. Now, first things first...

"Yes. Plan."

Isond stared at his master for a moment. Silence filled the air after that comment. "You have nothing, do you?"

"Of course I have a plan!" Vantric snapped, "This was just...It's a bit unexpected is all."

"Then, what's the plan?"

Vantric rubbed his chin. "We need allies. Pentar has no love of me, but might be worthwhile in this endeavor. That new god, Aen. He might be useful." Who else?

"Is there anyone else we can call on?" Isond asked, "You're planning on fighting a god."

"I'm a god too."

"Even still."

"We could contact Melanthios, M'endar as well. They have an interest in helping me."

Isond nodded. "That's a bit better."

Vantric frowned. "Isond, we need to divide and conquer. You go to the Lainir Empire. Get things ready."

Isond blinked. "Ready for what?"

"The war." The ambitious god said, "Humanity is on the march. Destroy them."

"Alright." Isond shrugged, "How should I do that?"

"Just do something!" Vantric snapped.

The apprentice nodded. "Right. Go to the Lainir Empire and do something. I'll get right on that. Any other brilliant orders you'd like to give me sir?"

Vantric clenched his fist. "Listen Isond." He growled, "You're the war god. You're the tactician. You wanted something to do. A war is underway. Now, get down to the Empire and prepare things for war."

Isond was about to make another remark, but under the burning gaze of his master, he decided not to. The elder god was not in any mood for his sarcastic ramblings. He gave a curt nod. "I'll get on sir."

Vantric turned, stilling trying to come up with a working plan. Olek needed to be dealt with. Quickly. The god ran through one scenario after another. Each had one key component that was staying constant. He frowned even further. "Before you leave Isond." The apprentice turned back. "I need your help." Vantric drew the dagger on his belt. "I'll be needing a proper weapon for this work."

Isond gave a bemused look, before complying. He offered his power to Vantric before disappearing across existence. The ambitious god sighed and took his apprentice's power and fused it with his own, focusing it into the dagger.

Spoiler: Actions

Vantric

Create Thorn of the Black Rose (+2 Murder/Assassination)- DC 15: Domains (+2 Murder/Assassination)(+6 Ambition)

Isond

Assist Vantric- Effortless: Domains (+2 War)

 

[Doc Gnosis]

Ailish? - 2, 19

Passion. It was an emotion that caused the soul to reach out and touch others. It was the light the blinded yet focused, and the bosom that enraptured and comforted. Colors grew bolder, people became more beautiful, and all fears were dispelled under that feeling. So very close to love, yet marred with anxiety. It made the self more conscious, more aware of not only one's feelings but how others feel. It was like gazing at a dying light; warm and inviting against a harrowing void. Every second that passed made every emotion more intense, every sorrow sweeter. It was bittersweet to gaze upon the sword.

The goddess' thoughts were quickly disarrayed as another presence invaded her mind, broadcasting his intentions from another realm. She had tried to reason with him, perhaps direct his intentions elsewhere, but the god would have none of it. Worse still what he said after her words:

"...once I've finished with Aen you will be next."

Her heart sank. Eyes were focused on the goblet, the Seven beings were all in sight. Sephariel, Carnivox, and the reformed Hunger - Akladai - could come together and grant a temporary boost, but that would only buy time for another plan. One she did not have... What about the others?

The other four were difficult to reach; one returned to the heavens, two indisposed, and the remaining one trapped in a realm she could not access. Out of them all KLAu was the closest to find. She had hoped to rescue its remains in time to give to Carnivox, but Ailish would need it for a different purpose altogether. And she did not like what the idea entailed.

Eldarwen? Can you hear me? Could you help me get to Evermoor? I still can barely move.

<spoiler=Notes>The first paragraph is just flavour text; it's not trying to infer on Amour's inner workings.
Here's hoping my idea get enacted before the end of the turn.

 

[Sehnsucht Engel]

Eldarwen 1

She had heard the other gods try to reason with Olek, and Aen had even made him leave the humans. She thought it was useless and had been proven right. Now that Olek was gone she so wanted to invade their minds, break their wills and make them burn themselves in fiery flames. It wouldn't have made the Ekiruru very happy though, and they would be able to kill the humans just as easily as she could. She believed that.

The griffon circled above the ships. It was the first time she had flown in the shape of a creature with wings. It was actually enjoyable, and made her question why she had waited this long to try it out. The tree was her favorite form, but the queen had its advantages, just like the griffon must have its.

A voice could be heard through the clouds or maybe in her head. She recognized it as Ailish.

Eldarwen? Can you hear me? Could you help me get to Evermoor? I still can barely move.

She twitched and frowned. Was that really necessary now? Couldn't she teleport herself... She probably could, so hopefully she had another reason for asking Eldarwen. The fourhundred hadn't gotten that close to the sea yet. If she hurried she might be back in time.

The griffon disappeared in a purple flash, high above the ships and reappeared inside the dining hall in the queen's palace. She walked around the table, trying out her four legs. It certainly was different, but she couldn't claim to prefer either of the tree forms walking. Well, the tree slid along the ground more than walked.

Eldarwen turned to Ailish and opened her mouth to speak, but the first sound that came out was the call of a bird. She shook her head, and concentrated on trying to speak. "I trust that you need me for more than that, since teleportation can not be too hard. Even for you."

She knew the last sentence sounded condenscending, but she had a chance to watch humans die up close and had been forced to return to her palace because of an alliance she had made. One that she needed to honour.

Either way, she placed her talons on Ailish's shoulders and teleported them into the air above Evermoor. They went falling towards the ground, where her sharp eagle eyes could spot the ghosts. Eldarwen spread her wings before they hit the ground, and they flew.

"Do you know where this soul is then?"

 

[Doc Gnosis]

<spoiler=Eldarwen & Ailish>

Visions blurred as she felt something grab her and spirit her away. It wasn't long before she was found in Evermoor. Though the green goddess was displeased about her request.

"Should that god grow tired of Aen, he'll turn his vengeance on me... And that's exactly what he'll have." She rasped out. "It involves the soul of KLAu... Which shouldn't be too hard to spot..."

Eyes darted around the landscape, searching the wisps for something more obvious; like an ember, or a bolt of lightning.

Eldarwen wasn't worried about Olek. If Aen couldn't handle him, she was sure the others would just beat him into a pulp when they got the chance. She would prefer leaving him to the others, and beating the humans. Even if Aen won, she hoped that they wouldn't try and stop her from killing them.

"Why do you need the soul of hatred?" It was certainly fitting to try and use it against the god of humanity, the god of evil made mortal. "I would not worry about Olek. He is weak and will not live much longer."

The griffon enjoyed soaring through the sky above Evermoor, as a threatening and unknown presence. She felt slightly more alive each time she had to beat her wings against the wind, to keep them steady.

"He shouldn't be taken lightly... Besides... I don't want any of the others to suffer his wrath, especially Aen... or Roe." She answered. Her eyes still darted for her quarry, before finally seeing a wisp veined in fire.

"There's one fragment!" She pointed to the fiery mist. She knew she was avoiding a question, but considering what she was going to do, Ailish didn't want to think about it until it happened.

"Should the worst happen, will you direct both him and I to the gateway?"

Eldarwen intended to laugh, but instead the call of the eagle came from her beak. It created an odd sound, like if the eagle had been laughing.

"Roe is surely in league with Olek, making himself look like a fool in the process." She didn't speak her mind about Aen, since she didn't have much to say about him regarding Olek. He'd been brave to face the god himself, and maybe it would pay off, maybe it wouldn't.

Eldarwen dove for the fragment Ailish had pointed out, and dropped her right next to it while still maintaining her own body in the air. She circled above them in the sky.

"What is the worst in this scenario?"

Ailish really didn't want to think much on it, but Eldarwen deserved to know. She took a deep breath before finally answering.

"The worst that could happen is that I'll go mad... with KLAu's soul mingling with my own."

Her eyes went downcast, and her malformed face slumped in sadness. Deep down she still remembered the saddening memories when she first arrived, and how Zareth had assumed that she only meant destruction, when she really didn't.

"The others may be glad with my leaving if he and Zareth are any measure..."

"Maybe they would be." She didn't know. Olek would be gone soon enough though, and Zareth had surprised her with his anger and cowardice. "There is those who would miss you as well though, I am certain."

Eldarwen couldn't claim that she'd miss anyone that disappeared, not on any other level than losing a potential ally. If it come down to a real fight between the gods then she'd need anyone she could get. "I would lose an ally, and I would rather prevent that from happening."

She climbed higher into the sky, still able to see and talk with Ailish on the ground. There wasn't any enemies around that she knew of.

Far away, she saw another fragment of KLAu; unlike the mist surrounding the realm, the fragment resembled that of an emerald fiery plume. "I found another one." she pointed to the ember.

In truth she didn't want to think much of what Eldarwen said. It just made things more difficult to follow through. Could make it more certain that Hatred could take over; the less she thought about that possibility the better.

Besides, she wondered if she still held a grudge for what Ailish did.

Eldarwen flew down to her and picked her up, thinking about how strange it was for her to be doing this when they could be teleporting. Yet, she found her wings to fun to not take advantage off. She dropped Ailish next to the second one.

Two down... The goddess thought to herself as she still kept looking around.

Her mind had lingered to what Eldarwen said to her about Ailish being an ally. She wanted to ask if the green goddess had forgiven her about the gateway in her gardens, but that would be like opening an old wound if she did. Still, she had to say something.

"I appreciate that..." She began to rasp before pausing to find the words. "If I... Would you help..." No, not that! "I won't die easily in the heavens... no I mean... There may be hope if all goes well..."

Her gaze turned to a pinkish smoke. At least one part of her survived the change...

She wasn't sure if Ailish knew what she meant to say herself, but at least she settled on something.

"I am sure there will be hope either way. As I doubt whatever losses may occur would be irreparable."

Though she supposed it was up to each of them to decide when to give up and break down. She wouldn't do it any time soon, and would rather go grinning into the face of destruction. Her third reincarnation would be even wiser.

If she had a mouth, she would've smiled. "Thank you."

She got a closer look and she felt KLAu's present much more strongly. "This is it. that should be enough I hope." She pointed to the pink wisp.

Eldarwen repeated what she had done last time, picked Ailish up and carried her towards the fragment of hatred. She was glad to think that they would soon be done, so that she could return to Evalon and watch her troops.

With three fragments in hand, she took them into herself, each mingling with her very being; sheer rage, great passion, and a narrowing of thoughts... She was not going to last long.

"Take me to where Aen and the other god is."

She frowned when the thought of how she had been used as transportation hit her, but teleported them anyway to where she knew Aen and Olek had gone to fight.

The cold wind was the first thing she noticed, even though her feathers and fur should keep her warm she felt it. Though she did not freeze. She flew through the mountains, using her improved sight to look for the two gods until she spotted them.

"There they are." She considered just dropping Ailish into the snowy peaks, and heading back to sea, but didn't.

"Thanks again Eldarwen. I hope to see you again soon." Her voice felt somber a her gaze was focused on where the battle of gods was taking place.

Please don't kill him.

"Be well then." She said dismissively, dropped Ailish off and quickly flew in the direction of the ships. She hoped that the fighting hadn't started or hadn't gone on for long at the very least.